Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) Practice Exam

The correct technique for administering ear drops to a 6-month-old involves pulling the ear down and back to open the ear canal. This is because infants and young children have a different anatomy compared to older children and adults. Their ear canals are positioned more horizontally, and pulling the ear downwards and backward helps to straighten the canal. This positioning ensures that the drops can reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum) effectively.

When providing care to a child with otitis media, proper administration of medication is crucial for treatment efficacy. Using the appropriate technique allows for better absorption of the medication and can help improve outcomes for the child suffering from ear infections.

For older children, the technique changes to pulling the ear up and back, as the ear canal becomes more vertical with age. This distinction in technique is vital for caregivers and healthcare providers to remember when treating patients of different ages.